Chess Puzzle #0QlBk — Beginner, Black to move, endgame

Rating 587 · Beginner · back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king g1; rook c1; pawns b4/f2/g2/h2. Black: king f6; rook a3; bishop c2; pawns f4/f5/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rxc2 — rook c1→c2, captures bishop. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Ra1+ — rook a3→a1, gives check. Opponent replies Rc1 (rook c2→c1).
  3. Best move: Rxc1# — rook a1→c1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxc1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 8/7p/5k2/5p2/1P3p2/r7/2b2PPP/2R3K1 w - - 0 41

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Puzzle data from the Lichess puzzle database (CC0). Analysis powered by Stockfish 18 in your browser.